The natural host of the Nipah Virus is ________.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Fruit Bats -
Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic virus, meaning it spreads from animals to humans. Bats of the Pteropodidae family, commonly called 'fruit bats' or 'flying foxes,' are the natural reservoirs of this virus.
Nipah virus transmission:
The virus can reach humans through various means:
Direct contact: By coming into contact with bodily fluids (such as saliva or urine) from infected bats or pigs.
Contaminated food: By consuming fruit that has been partially eaten by bats or date palm sap contaminated with their urine/saliva.
Human-to-human: It can also spread to family members or healthcare workers who are in close contact with an infected person.